News of the death of Osama bin Laden late last night stirred up a lot of emotion in Americans: Shock, joy, sadness, relief. For many, those emotions are being replaced today by questions, like "So what now?"

The vaguely termed "war on terror" was launched by George W. Bush in the wake of the September 11 attacks. The goal was to root out terror organizations like al Qaeda throughout the world, but the main target plain and simple was bin Laden, dead or alive.

It took almost 10 years to deliver on that, but we did.

In his address to the nation last night, President Obama said bin Laden's death does not "mark the end of our effort" to defeat al Qaeda.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, "The battle to stop al Qaeda and its syndicate of terror" is not over.

And in a statement released last night, former President George W. Bush said, "The fight against terror goes on."

But what does that mean exactly now that the poster child of worldwide terror is gone? As difficult as it was to find and kill bin Laden, in a way, it was the simplest illustration of progress in this so-called war. But what now? Is the United States truly safer today from terrorism than it was yesterday?

Unrest is running rampant throughout the Middle East. Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood said U.S. soldiers should leave both Afghanistan and Iraq now that bin Laden's dead. U.S. troops will begin partial withdrawal from Afghanistan in July. U.S. troops are scheduled to withdraw from Iraq at the end of this year as part of a security pact with Baghdad. But will this change anything?

Here’s my question to you: What should come next for the U.S. in the war on terror?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

Johnny in Los Angeles:
Our new war on terror should put the crosshairs of justice on the Mexican Cartels. The Mexican cartels have collectively killed 15 times as many people compared to 9/11. This terror is right across our border and infiltrating America on a daily basis.

Michael in Alexandria, Virginia:
Finding the cash source for building bin Laden's mansion and rooting it out. When they have no bribes to pay Pakistani Internal Security Forces, they will quickly be in custody or dead.

Joyce in Wisconsin:
Get the heck out of these other countries and take care of our own country. Protect America and stop nation building. We look as bad as England use to when it was trying to take over the world.

Joe in Chestertown NY:
Now is the time to let the other dictators know that we are not kidding around and recommend they step down now.

John in California:
Jack, retaliation by al-Qaeda or any Islamic radicals in the Middle East is very possible. The new and expected leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, the same group that has helped destabilize parts of the Middle East in Egypt and Libya. I just have this gnawing pain in the pit of my stomach that something else more sinister is coming...

Greg in Lancaster, Texas:
Find al-Zawahiri and send him to sleep with the fishes like his good buddy. Then begin withdrawals from Afghanistan and tell their government that their leaders will share the same fate if they support al Qaeda or any attacks on the U.S.A.

Marty in Boston:
I think we've already taken the next step by sending a clear message to another terrorist in particular - Gadhafi. The message to him is this: "No, Moammar, those bombs in Tripoli were not meant for you. We were aiming for the military assets. We do not target individuals. Oh... just by the way... have you heard the latest about bin Laden?"

Martha:
We must remain ever vigilant on the war on terror, but we should also bring all of our troops home from the Mideast. Our mission is now over.

soundoff(258 Responses)

Louise

So Jack,
Are we now back to saying the word "terrorist." Can we also get rid of the phrase "overseas contingency operation?"
Since the key to capturing OBL were tips from Guantanamo detainees, I would suggest we stick with what has been proven to work and produces results. Enough with this leading from behind policy.

Louise
Atlanta, GA

May 2, 2011 at 1:45 pm |

Dr. Michael D. Knox, Tampa

Declare victory, end the wars, bring the troops home next week, blow-up any weapons we can't take with us, reduce military spending, combine the military branches, and balance the budget.

Dr. Michael D. Knox, Tampa

May 2, 2011 at 1:50 pm |

Josh Tallis

I think what's more important is that, whatever comes next, it will come with a confidence and unity of purpose that this country has long forgotten. I was among the students at the White House last night and it was like nothing I have ever experienced. We were 9-12 years old when Osama bin Laden changed this country and our lives. We were old enough to see how he shaped our futures, but young enough to have September the eleventh define our adulthood. Last night we did not celebrate a man's death. Last night we celebrated justice. Last night we celebrated our childhoods.

May 2, 2011 at 1:53 pm |

RB in CA

The world needs to be on heightened alert for revenge attacks from al Qaeda. The U.S. may have sent in the team that eliminated bin Laden, but al Qaeda operatives will be more than happy to blow up a train station in Paris or level an office building in Berlin then proclaim to the world the U.S. is to blame for the attack because of the way we took out their leader.

RB in CA

May 2, 2011 at 1:53 pm |

Kevin San Diego Ca

We should track down and identify all the past, and present United States officials, and corporate executives that have been putting terrorists and dictators into power and give them the same fate as Osama Bin Laden!

Even the Iraq disaster could have been avoided if we would have strapped parachutes onto the backs of all the members of the intelligent agencies, and pushed them out of planes, and told them not to come back to the USA until all the dictators and terrorists they put into power were eradicated!

May 2, 2011 at 1:56 pm |

Terry in Virginia

Bring our troops home from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. They've earned the rest. As to going after other terrorists, it would take too many years and lives to round them all up. Put a bounty on their heads of $100M each and look the other way when mercenaries go after them. That's gotta be cheaper than the 3 wars we're in now.

May 2, 2011 at 1:56 pm |

Terrence Cain

I think this is the best time to bring all of our troops home from the Middle East. Let the CIA and Special Ops guys do their jobs in ridding the world of Al Queda and other terrorist groups. That's I feel about it, Jack.

Terrence Cain
Big Spring, TX.

May 2, 2011 at 1:59 pm |

Kevin San Diego Ca

What should come next for the U.S. in the war on terror?

We should track down and identify all the past, and present United States officials, and corporate executives that have been putting terrorists and dictators into power and give them the same fate as Osama Bin Laden!

Even the Iraq disaster could have been avoided if we would have strapped parachutes onto the backs of all the members of the intelligent agencies, and pushed them out of planes, and told them not to come back to the USA until all the dictators and terrorists they put into power were eradicated!

May 2, 2011 at 2:05 pm |

Curt, Avon, Indiana

Very simply, Jack, the safe and hasty withdrawal of ALL of our troops.
Bin-Laden's death was the goal and that goal has been met.

May 2, 2011 at 2:08 pm |

xdac79

I say bring the soldiers home since Bin Laden is dead now. The reason why America went to war was because of the 911 attacks on America which Bin Laden mastermind not Saddam bring our troops home and reward them all with the Medal of Honor

May 2, 2011 at 2:10 pm |

CRAIG R. MCNEES

tampa, fl How about securing our ports & borders, make e-verify mandatory, establish a real id, and escort all illegal aliens from our shores? Oh, and bring all of our troops home from Iraq, Afghanistan, & Libya, as Bin Laden isn't in any of these countries. I know, the light was better there to look for him there.

May 2, 2011 at 2:14 pm |

Ron

Wipe out Pakistan for hiding him for 10 years.

May 2, 2011 at 2:14 pm |

Rich McKinney, Texas

Unfortunately there is no plan for future terror. It is a reactionary situation. We do not know where it will strike or how it will come or what it will look like so we can not possibly plan for it. We do not know what sleeper cells have been doing in the last 10 years and what jobs they may have attained some perhaps even as airline pilots or flight attendants or mechanics on aircraft or luggage handlers who might load a bomb in the cargo hold. These are but a few possibilities. Some might target Americas infrastructure and power supplies knocking out entire cities by striking an electric grid or blowing up refineries to raise the price of gasoline even higher. The possibilities are limitless. If anyone claims we have a plan then they are only fooling themselves.

May 2, 2011 at 2:19 pm |

Bizz, Quarryville Pennsylvania

I think it might be a good opportunity to try and negotiate with the enemy in Afghanistan. We prove that we're serious about finding the people and groups that attack us. We shown we have the patience the forces and equipment to track down, then kill or capture the people who attacked us. We need to end this war somehow and this might be the the chance to do just that.

May 2, 2011 at 2:20 pm |

Jim in Alabama

We need to get Bin Laden's second in command, Ayman Al Zwarwia. Then, we need to think about gettting the hell out of Afghanistan before it bankrupts the country. That would be a good start for now. After all, wasn't our stated objective to get Bin Laden? Sure is was!

May 2, 2011 at 2:23 pm |

Wilhelm von Nord Bach

eliminating bin Laden just the start, Jack.

we NOW need to know find and capture OR kill both his second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri AND that American born islamist traitor Anwar al-Awlaki who is suspected of being in Yemen. that would be the "trifecta".

wouldn't hurt to stop "pussyfooting" around in Afghanistan either. just start wacking ANY and ALL suspected Taliban and IF there is "collateral damage", well that's just too bad. we sure didn't worry about "collateral damage" when we bombed, Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden and Tokyo, not to mention Hiroshima and Nagasaki, during WWII.

that hole has turned into "Vietnam with Sand" complete with Pakistan being "Cambodia West".

May 2, 2011 at 2:25 pm |

Rick McDaniel

The elimination of the Taliban, entirely.

Afghanistan will never become a better country as long as the Taliban remain in existence.

May 2, 2011 at 2:27 pm |

Larry from Georgetown, Tx

The war against terrorists will be an ongoing issue for the world and we as well as all decent people should continue to chop the head off of the snakes of the world. To me these people are not deserving of the gift of life.

May 2, 2011 at 2:30 pm |

Russ in PA

End it, and the war on poverty and drugs as well. And how about ending the war on obesity at the same time. And don't forget about ending the war on the free market system... Oh, yes, let's abolish the TSA and kill the Patriot Act. Did I forget anything?

May 2, 2011 at 2:35 pm |

Barbara Leavitt

It SHOULD be 'Mission Accomplished'...........Good Bye.

Henderson Nevada

May 2, 2011 at 2:37 pm |

Loren, Chicago

Nation building to eliminate training bases for terror networks. That means creating stable, economically independent states in Somalia, Libya, Gaza, Yemen, Afghanistan, Sudan, etc. and supporting true democracy in states that have teetered on the brink through their acceptance of terrorists within their borders, such as Pakistan and Indonesia. Lots of work yet to do.

Our bases, troops on the ground around the globe are anachronistic. Bring everybody home and regroup. Everything needs to be analyzed in the context of the current world landscape. Time to form a macro strategy that meets the needs of the 21st Century.

Carol in Northampton, Ma

May 2, 2011 at 2:42 pm |

Dave, Orlando, FL

The first thing we need to do is get out of the Middle East completely. Without the need to throw good money into that monetary black hole most of our financial difficulties will we eased if not eliminated. Then we would have more wherewithal to fight terrorism effectively. But I think it would make us less of a target as we would not be in their faces in their front yards constantly ticking them off.

In case anyone forgot; we went there to get the Taliban and OBL. It’s too late for the Taliban now as Bush took his eye off the ball and let them regroup and get stronger so that is a lost cause. But we got OBL, time to come home.

May 2, 2011 at 2:43 pm |

David of Alexandria VA

Mexican drug lords, cartels, and gang members accross the border and here among us. This is as terrorizing for the people in Arizona and LA as any shoe or underwear bomber. Failure to address this decisively (ala ben Ladin) like the cockroach infestation that it is will be one of our biggest regrets in the next decade. I don't want us to even pretend to be PC on this.

May 2, 2011 at 2:47 pm |

Allan Cameron

Due to the blatent ineptitude and inconceivable ignorance of the Pakistan Intelligence Community and in turn the Pakistan Government denying, for 5 years, that a 'fortress' built outside its own Capital, adjacent to one of its principal military establishments, (and without any means of communicating with the outside world installed) should prompt an immediate investigation into the credability and reliability of Pakistan as a western ally especially since they have nuclear weapons and have historically 'rattled sabres' at, India and other non-muslim countries. We have to face the fact that Pakistan has been "A Wolf In Sheeps Clothing" even back to 1947 in its relations with the West. They cannot be trusted. They must not be Trusted. They must "EARN" the West's trust by making positive moves to obliterate the Terrorist Threats spawned in their own back yard first.
Similarly, The United States should immediately stop all aid to that country, including financial, and pull back all our military troops and advisors thereby forcing the Pakistan Government to 'clean up its own mess'

May 2, 2011 at 2:50 pm |

ranch111

More war. That's what comes next.

May 2, 2011 at 2:55 pm |

Ed Reed

We should get out of Afghanistan. When the Taliban routinely takes refuge in Paksistan and we now learn that Osama bin Laden's lair for the last five years has been next door to the Paksitan equivalent of West Point, it should become clear that the mission is impossible.

Ed
Texas

May 2, 2011 at 2:58 pm |

Bonnie from NJ

We should bring our troops home from foreign soil, not just Iraq and Afghanistan and use the money to secure the borders here including the ports. If anyone still wants our troops they can pay for them. We need to protect our chemical and nuclear plants, water treatment plants and screen small packages going on commercial airlines. We can still participate in NATO, the United Nations and any other global organizations to fight terrorism along with our millitary and civilian intelligence. I believe these options will better protect us than the wars we are currently involved in.

May 2, 2011 at 2:59 pm |

Gerry

Pursue the radical Muslims in this country and neutralize their efforts to destroy us from within. Pakistan has proven to be an unreliable ally and all our efforts to bring democracy to Iraq & Afghanistan have not been successful. Its time to pull out, cut our losses and to pacify the fools declare victory both places. The Muslim culture is not compatible with democracy.

Gerry
Ash Fork, Az.

May 2, 2011 at 3:06 pm |

Greg in Arkansas

I am greatly relieved that this chapter is over but I fear there will be extreme retaliation for the US as we celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden by cheering, waving flags and partying in the streets. If his followers were willing to die for him and his distorted views in hopes of victory, with him gone and little chance of winning, the suicide bombers will be out in force and anxious to join him as a martyr and…take as many non-believers with them as possible. “Round two” of the war on terror could be much worse if we think the war is over just because we eliminated the leader.

May 2, 2011 at 3:08 pm |

Joyce G

Get the heck out of these other countries and take care of our own country. Protect America and stop nation building. We look as bad as England use to when it was trying to take over the world.
Joyce G
Wi

May 2, 2011 at 3:11 pm |

Annie, Atlanta

Call it a win and bring our troops home. Obviously we don't need to bomb whole countries for a decade and kill countless innocents when we can send in a special ops force and take out our targets. Seems more efficient to me, but then again what do I know.

May 2, 2011 at 3:24 pm |

Denny from Tacoma

Our war on terror is a joke because it only pertains to those terrorists who may threaten the USA and some of our allies. What about the terrorist tyrants who are killing their own people as in Libya, Syria, etc.? It seems ironic that we want them to help us when we are not definitively helping them. I think that we need to increase the definition of "terrorist" and act to instill peace internationally with international help. Our "interests" such as oil should be cast aside.

May 2, 2011 at 3:30 pm |

Adam

Continue to focus on Al-Qaeda and its sister networks. I have already heard tea party activists on morning radio shows saying President Obama deserved no credit for this. It was President Obama's decision early on to make finding the head of Al-Qaeda a top priority in his administration of the War on Terrorism, and now that Osama Bin Laden is dead, breaking up the rest of Al Qaeda will surely be easier. To those who have a short memory, recall President Bush's March 13, 2002 press conference where he said it was important to focus on Saddam, and not on Bin Laden. We see how well that worked. The cheering in the streets all night long last night is a testament to the importance of focusing on the real enemy: Al Qaeda, radical extremists, and all others who wish to inflict terror on the United States and her people.

May 2, 2011 at 3:33 pm |

Kevin in CA

Declare victory and wave goodbye to Karzai on our way out.

May 2, 2011 at 3:35 pm |

Adam

Falls Mills, VA

Continue to focus on Al-Qaeda and its sister networks. I have already heard tea party activists on morning radio shows saying President Obama deserved no credit for this. It was President Obama's decision early on to make finding the head of Al-Qaeda a top priority in his administration of the War on Terrorism, and now that Osama Bin Laden is dead, breaking up the rest of Al Qaeda will surely be easier. To those who have a short memory, recall President Bush's March 13, 2002 press conference where he said it was important to focus on Saddam, and not on Bin Laden. We see how well that worked. The cheering in the streets all night long last night is a testament to the importance of focusing on the real enemy: Al Qaeda, radical extremists, and all others who wish to inflict terror on the United States and her people.

May 2, 2011 at 3:37 pm |

a.g.

Jack, Whats going to come next depends on the Extremist muslims-The Taliban and Al-qaeda.They've had their revenge.Religion at this extreme should be classified as a mental illness.

May 2, 2011 at 3:38 pm |

Richard Horvath

First I'd like to say, I wish I was afforded the opportunity to wash Bin Laden's body before his burial at sea. I would have used every drop of urine my bofy could produce to complete the task!

Now we need to get his nimber two man, and recognize that Pakistan is not our friend or forthcoming with real help. How could they not know Bin Laden was there for so long.

Congratulations to President Obama, and the men and women who worked to send Bin Laden straight to jell.

Richard W Horvath
Mesa, AZ.

(I sent the first paragraph of this statement a few minutes ago, not realizing you wanted my city and state.)

May 2, 2011 at 3:41 pm |

Kirk (Apple Valley, MN)

Go after the Bush administration?

May 2, 2011 at 3:41 pm |

john ............................ marlton nj

It is probably an opportunity to fold up the tent in Iraq (we'll can looking for WMD), Afganistan (?), Pakistan, Libya , Yemen, Yada Yada Yada and claim Mission Accomplished in the war on terror.

Literally leave everywhere and see what happens. Who knows, we can't do any more harm than we are already doing .. and if we aren't there we won't be targets ...

Imagine at peace... In the future if someone disrupts that peace then we can light the fuse again

May 2, 2011 at 3:42 pm |

John

Next step to save our country: vote Obama out of office.

Port Orchard, WA

May 2, 2011 at 3:43 pm |

Ray in Knoxville

Jack, we should now be prepared for a stepped up terror alert and revenge attacks by the terrorists. Then we should get out of Afghanistan and Iraq as soon as possible and leave the Middle East alone except to push for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

May 2, 2011 at 3:45 pm |

Larry Feierstein

SHHHHHHHHHH, dont let anyone know what are next steps are. Look how effective we can be when noone knows. Its not up to media to figure it out. Its business as usual, unless of course someone is already planning another SEAL operation. Let me know when its over

May 2, 2011 at 3:47 pm |

Johnny C (from Los Angeles)

Hi Jack –

Our new war on terror should put the crosshairs of justice on the Mexican Cartels. The mexican cartels have collectively killed 15 times as many people compared to 9/11/01. This terror is right across our border and infiltrating America on a daily basis.

May 2, 2011 at 3:49 pm |

Ed from California

I'd say "clean up" the stragglers! Occupy his house!! And lets take all of his money, to help pay for some of this war. Or, use it to pay retribution to the victims of 9/11!! Either way, we need to put an end to their madness!! Once and for all!!

May 2, 2011 at 3:50 pm |

PMom_GA

That's easy, Jack.

Continue to dismantle Al Qaeda and their followers, one by one by one. Eventually, the octopus reach of terrorists will have too many arms cut off to be effective.

Then dismantle whatever is left.

The job ain't done until the last one standing is lying flat on his back, seeing nothing but death facing him.

May 2, 2011 at 3:53 pm |

Michael in Albuquerque, NM

The intent of terrorism is to create an atmosphere of fear. Once filled with fear, the people can be moved in any direction. The irony is that it is the reaction of the government and media that creates that fear. So, the next move in the war on terror should be to create confidence in the people to dissolve that fear.

May 2, 2011 at 3:54 pm |

Dennis north carolina

We need to continue to hunt down the other leaders of terrorism. We know who they are and we must keep the pressure on them or we will pay the price.

May 2, 2011 at 3:55 pm |

Michael Bindner, Alexandria, VA

Finding the cash source for building bin Laden's mansion and rooting it out. When they have no bribes to pay Pakistani Internal Security Forces, they will quicly be in custody or dead.

May 2, 2011 at 3:56 pm |

Rudy NYC

Finish the job. It is to early to tell what the next move is, so you stay with the game plan that got you to where you are now.

May 2, 2011 at 4:00 pm |

Gordon NJ

We should send a $15 Million dollar reward check to Ayman al-Zawahiri for his assistance in getting Bin Laden. ...anything we can do to sow paranoia and distrust among his co-terrorists in al qaeda.

May 2, 2011 at 4:01 pm |

Mark in BC

It's obvious Pakistan was hiding Bin Laden. "Turn a deaf ear" come to mind? We should withdraw all financial and military aid to this 3rd world two-face so called "friend". Let India deal with Pakistan and not us intervene. Pakistan has milked the US Gov't, read tax payer, for billions, and for what? Demand withdrawal and all aid cut now!!
Mark

May 2, 2011 at 4:01 pm |

John from Alabama

Jack: Anyone connected to Osama bin Laden can surrender or die. Pakistan was hiding Osama bin Laden from their allies the United States and others who wanted him dead or be hide bars. I believe we should not give any foreign aid to Pakistan. We will allow NGO's to continue their support, but the U.S. Government should not give them one dime of aid.

May 2, 2011 at 4:07 pm |

David Thompson Shreveport Louisiana

Mullah Omar should be the next target. We hear an innocent woman was used as a human sheild during the raid on Bin Laden. How innocent could she have been if she was hiding out with Bin Laden

May 2, 2011 at 4:10 pm |

Robby Bowling

Next ought to be give notice to all the Arab country's that were pulling out. Its time for them to either take care of their own cancer or kill themselves off. Exceptions to this ought to be mess with Israel or the US & we'll take you out. They hate our guts so let them hate us from afar. That region has throughout history has never known peace. How can we change people who still live in the stone ages

May 2, 2011 at 4:16 pm |

Joe

Chestertown NY

Now is the time to let the other dictators know that we are not kidding around, recommend they step down now

May 2, 2011 at 4:16 pm |

DON IN WESTPORT, MASS.

All we did was settle a personal vandetta with a notorious man who did great harm to our country.
The war on terror will continue uniterupted as another low life steps in to take his place in the name of Allah.

May 2, 2011 at 4:16 pm |

Paul Harris Austin, Texas

To take out all of his thugs and rid the world of this scum that makes Islam look as the root cause which it is not.

May 2, 2011 at 4:19 pm |

Bud Rupert

Take out the number 2. He is the Chief Operations Officer. He's got to go.

May 2, 2011 at 4:21 pm |

Bill in PA

Jack,

Next: We should fix our federal income problem – We must end the temporary tax cuts. We may even need to increase taxes.

It would be too bad for the US to fall from within because of the greed of the few in, this time, when we see that united we all win.

Now is a good time to get out of Iraq and maybe Afghanistan. Freedom can not be given it is earned.

May 2, 2011 at 4:22 pm |

royston

war on terror ?? what's that ?
perhaps the next wars should be war on tsunami , war on earthquake , war on tornado , war on starvation , war on illness , they are killing far more people than terrorism.
but the most and effective war of all should be A WAR ON WAR

royston
from curacao (caribbean )

May 2, 2011 at 4:24 pm |

dennis in pa.

increased home defense around public transportation and important landmarks. the death of bin laden as great as it is brings new challenges. who is the face of our enemy? what is their m.o.? can we end our wars now? these muslim extremists will continue to attack us and with their leader dead they will attack us shortly here in america. whats next shouldn't be a return to pre 9/11 feelings of security. we need to be ready and have our citizens be prepared to act as we get ready for the next attack on our soil!

May 2, 2011 at 4:24 pm |

Marty Schmidt

I think we've already taken the next step by sending a clear message to another terrorist in particular–Ghadaffi. The message to him is this: "No, Muamar, those bombs in Tripoli were not meant for you. We were aiming for the military assets. We do not target individuals. Oh....just by the way ... have you heard the latest about bin Laden?"

Marty
Boston, MA

May 2, 2011 at 4:26 pm |

birddog in Mississippi

Given that we do not have the intelligence available to us, perhaps it is time for us to allow those who do to make that decision without second guessing them every step of the way.
We have a competent team in place. Let them do their jobs.

May 2, 2011 at 4:28 pm |

greg lancaster,tx

find zawarhi and send him to sleep with the fishes like his good buddy. Then begin withdrawals from Afghanistan and tell their government and the taliban if they are different that their leaders will share the same fate if they support Al Qaeda or any attacks on the USA.

Jack, I'm glad that Osama is dead, and for the interim, this is a victory for the US. However retaliation by al-Qaeda or any Islamic radicals in the Middle East is very possible. The new and expected leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, the same group that has helped destabilize parts of the Middle East in Egypt and Libya. I just have this gnawing pain in the pit of my stomach that something else more sinister is coming...

– John
Los Angeles, CA

May 2, 2011 at 4:32 pm |

Allen in Hartwell GA

If we want to protect US soil our troops can best do it from American shores. If we just want to kill people, lose American lives, and waste billions more if not trillions of dollars, then we can keep American troops in the Middle East and South Asia.
Allen
Hartwell GA

May 2, 2011 at 4:33 pm |

Paul P.

There is no better opportunity for Obama to introduce an expedited withdrawl from Afghanistan. I think the past few months has shown us how effective intelligence gathering, communication, drones and surgical military strikes can be, as opposed to spending billions every month to put thousands of American soldiers at risk.

May 2, 2011 at 4:39 pm |

Pat in Michigan

the #2 guy with the target on his forehead!

May 2, 2011 at 4:41 pm |

Mark from Nags Head, NC

I think the next step is for the Government to confirm that Bin Laden's shroud was weighted with concrete and re-bar from the World Trade Center.

May 2, 2011 at 4:43 pm |

Roger from Erie County PA

The next thing we should is prove Bin Laden is really deceased. Donald Trump might want to see the country listed on the death certificate.

May 2, 2011 at 4:44 pm |

Alex in Bremerton, WA

Lets declare victory in the Bush-declared "War on Terror" and bring our troops home while maintaining vigilance around the world.

May 2, 2011 at 4:47 pm |

Gary H. Boyd

Unity, resilence and resolve were brought together on 9/11/01 in America and those attributes have caused the death of Osama Bin Laden. Those who intend us harm, who will, no doubt, follow in his shadow, must know they face a stern and more vigilant America.
We were "sucker punched" 10 years ago. We will not let that happen again. Our future must be one of vigilance.

Gary Boyd in Scottsdale, Arizona

May 2, 2011 at 4:48 pm |

Kathie

Bring our troops home, close military bases around the world (who has a base in our country), stop poking our noses into everyone else's business, secure our ports and borders, stop outsourcing all of our jobs and take care of business at home! Unless we are attacked we have NO right to march in and destroy another country.

May 2, 2011 at 4:52 pm |

Judie Wm's -- El Lago TX

To be more viligant than ever, and this includes U.S. citizens. Somewhere there is another Bin Laden dead set on attacking the United States......

May 2, 2011 at 4:55 pm |

Anthony J. Frascino from Swedesboro, NJ

The Bush administration overreacted to the terrorists' one brazen act while our national security was asleep. Their only weapon was taking over planes with box-cutters. It was a one time wonder never to be duplicated again since they don't have the sophisticated resources we have. We started expensive wars and broke the bank.
It's time we stop wasting our money out of unfounded fear. When America is awake and diligent, no amount of scruffy terrorists can strike again with the ferocity of 9/11.

May 2, 2011 at 4:56 pm |

Tim from Oakmont

Im not sure what will come next, probably the Tea party will want a death certificate(in the long form) before we move forward.

Get rid of Karzei. Get OUT of Afghanistan and Iraq. Cut our foreign payments to $0 and distribute to the US population making under $50k... the total sum of what was paid to Pakistan from 2002 to the present.

Steve
Maine

May 2, 2011 at 5:06 pm |

tonyginn123@gmail.com

What's next? The fight goes on until another terriorist plot, probably under way as we speak, is suppressed. What we do know is we have the strongest military and inteiligence machine in the world in conjunction with our allies. Let's not wait so long to act in the future!

Tony
Tacoma, WA

May 2, 2011 at 5:09 pm |

Susan from Idaho

Bring our troops home from the middle east and line them up shoulder to shoulder on our borders. Let's pay them for something that protects us!
The riff raff that come here selling drugs should be shown how the cow eats cabbage. No bull.

May 2, 2011 at 5:09 pm |

Claudia, Houston, Tx

The U.S. needs to no longer make people like bin Laden "cash cows" for Middle East leaders and if they want to be friends of the U.S. we will not pay for their friendship.

May 2, 2011 at 5:12 pm |

jeff in hawaii

Jack,

We should continue current counter-terrorist operations with one caveat; redirect funds spent on the military to aid the younger peope who are impoverished and uneducated in the countries that are recruiting grounds for terrorist groups.

May 2, 2011 at 5:14 pm |

Michael Armstrong Sr. Sherman Tx.

Our reason for being there is dead it's time to be paid for fighting there war or else bring our troops home .

May 2, 2011 at 5:16 pm |

Cee, La

We need to keep digging through the intelligence we receive looking for more terrorist cells......analyze our billion dollar a year relationship with Pakistan, and bring the troops home.... Khazai is another one who is soaking the US tax payers.......

May 2, 2011 at 5:16 pm |

Nancy, Tennessee

Whatever is next, I hope this President will be on time for it. Was no one else as annoyed as I was that every network reported the news of Osama's demise before President Obama came out and told the world his announcement. Next we need to give President Obama a new watch.

May 2, 2011 at 5:17 pm |

andyz Lynn, MA

It's a good start. Now we have number 2 at al Qaeda to go after. Then it will be number 3 and so on.

May 2, 2011 at 5:19 pm |

Gigi Oregon

It is time to address the Terror that has haunted us the past ten years. Taxation without representation. Let's go after Lobbyist and remove them from buying our congress and rebuild our towns and cities that have been crumbling do to a lack of funds because corporate America pays no taxes. Bring our service men/women home and let them go to work building back the neglected and wasted America. And begin strong with a dedicated "America First" theme. Lets take care of our tired, poor, neglected and our schools and teachers. And build back the "United States" it's honor and dignity..

May 2, 2011 at 5:21 pm |

Amitoj

A declaration of non-interventionism, and only using force as a last and final resort. This will help secure the future and the national security of the United States.

May 2, 2011 at 5:23 pm |

Martha Campbell

We must remain ever vigilent on the war on terror, but we should also bring all of our troops home from the Mideast. Our mission is now over.

May 2, 2011 at 5:23 pm |

Jon, North Carolina

Leave Afghan.

Now we are simply instigating hostility for no reason if we remain there.

May 2, 2011 at 5:24 pm |

Andrew Hester

Don't stop fighting till we can guarantee that we, our kids and grand kids will have nothing to fear from extremest groups.

Andrew Hester
Lincoln, NE

May 2, 2011 at 5:25 pm |

Holmes

Obama should keep the pressure in Afghanistan if they still plan to fight Al Qaeda. As they say, Osama was just the head of the worm, it's possible that the worm manages to re-grow.

May 2, 2011 at 5:25 pm |

David OR

In this order, Aiman al Zawahiri and then Mullah Omar

May 2, 2011 at 5:25 pm |

Deborah Seibert,. Co

We need to pack up our panties and come home

May 2, 2011 at 5:25 pm |

Terry

Simple Jack, hunt down number two and kill him.

May 2, 2011 at 5:25 pm |

ronvan

Do not let our guard down, there are many more misfis that will try to take his place. The real message is, who is next! God bless those brave soldiers that carried out this mission because we will never know who they are!

Van: Columbus GA.

May 2, 2011 at 5:25 pm |

Ellie NJ

Its time to switch "gates". Instead of using the skills of Bob Gates, let's use the skills of Bill Gates. Nothing diffuses unrrest more than a fully belly. Let's channel our efforts to create new trading partners before China buys them all up with our interest monies.

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

Nick Smith

Nuke Saudi Arabia.

We have oil rigs that can drill through that green glass just fine.

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

Mike

We are in their back yard and we should stay. The images of you childern through out the reagion being taught to hate America/Americans shows that "it ain't over, till it's over, over there."

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

stuchell1

to the world, our path forward is clear. in the aftermath of the capture and trail of saddam hussein and the cornering and killing of osama bin laden. we as a world need to recognize that peace loving individual's from all walks of life and all religion's have had enough of terrorist's attack's on innoccent civilian's.
our message is a simple one. no matter an individuals race, creed, color, and/or religion if that idivdual seeks peace they shall have it, if that individual seek's to do acts of terror we as a world population will hunt you indefinately!!!! TERRORIST"S DO YOU FEEL THE TARGET ON YOUR BACK?

NEVER FOGET, IF YOU JAIL A TERRORIST AND NOT THE MEN THAT HELPED HIM AND/OR PAID HIM....WHAT HAPPEN'S?

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

Roger Josselyn

There's no next, Jack, just forever. The enemy never goes away!

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

James, Madison, WI

Next should be focusing on the more serious and current threat to our country, corporations who think that workers shouldn't have the right to unionize and demand fair wages and working conditions. These economical terrorists are the greater threat to liberty and freedom in this country, and must be dealt with it, lest we fall from being a country OF the people, BY the people, FOR the people, and instead become a nation For the rich, By the rich, For the rich.

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

John Nasteff

The last thing we can do at this point is rest on our laurels. The War on Terror does not begin and end with Osama bin Laden. This is a major victory for the U.S. but it is with grave importance that we keep ourselves aware, and proactive. The second we get too comfortable, I fear we will leave ourselves open for another 9/11.

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

Kenny

Let's face it that we got caught up in a situation that we tried to justify with terrorist activity in the wrong country. I'm a soldier in Afghanistan and dont know what to expect from day to day. Get out of these wars and protect home!

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

Rick In Northern California

Next will be more terrorists dead. Now that Bin Laden is dead they will finally come out of the woodwork like the rats they are to try and strike back and we can start picking them off one by one. Hopefully the intelligence community has ears on these guys and can preempt any actions they try to take.

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

Jim Brokenbek

Keep the heat turned to "maximum." There may never be a more opportune, nor wiser, time to do so.

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

Daniel Choi

\The United States should investigate the Pakistanian government. It's evident that they played a role on why Bin laden was able to be captured in the past. It's probably because of Islamic code they never turned him in.

May 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

Tammy

Give everybody a cell phone and a facebook account. Increased communication among rational intelligent people is the main reason geriatric dictators and wacked out terrorist leaders are on their way out. Keep the communication going and keep it real.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

christ r.

it's time regroup and moved foward with the next objective or target.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Karen

I don't think this ends terrorism by a long shot. It just gives these idiots another excuse to kill and maim. We need to build up the US and quit trying to bring democracy to countries that don't want it and wouldn't know what to do with it if they had it. They don't have respect for each other.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Timothy Fagan

We need to stop fooling ourselves about Pakistan's role and call them on the carpet so to speak.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Yasmeen Mjalli

Yes, we've killed Bin Laden, the major figure and leader of Al-Qaeda. The war isn't over; there's still the entire group, he didn't work alone. The question is whether or not some one else will step up in his place or not. The "war" goes on to eliminate the rest of the supporters that have influence and other terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Nick

The next step in the War on Terror comes at home. We finish these guys off by living our lives the way we always have and by gaining our energy independence. We do this through educating the next generations in math and sciences to prepare them for technical and engineering degrees. We retrain our already unemployed work force and get them working for true energy solutions that include renewables, nuclear, and nuclear fuels reprocessing and storage. We start employing our own citizens and work on repaying our debt to China. If we cut off the money we are sending to the Middle East in oil revenues, this war will be over within 5 years.

Nick
Knoxville

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Aubry Beckham

Now it is time for the entire world would make an alliance against the PKK the way it did against Osama Bin Laden.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Roman

Check off his name and keep moving down the list.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Raymond

Add Pakistan to the list of rogue states!!

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Ian

The worst is over. Now is the time to ensure democracy takes root in these places (Iraq, Afghanistan,Yemen etc). The next two years will be tricky but the al quaeda franchises will become increasingly irrelevant.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Seyni

As General Powell stated, Bin Laden was the intellectual and not the operational leader of AL-Qaeda, therefore it is in the interest of the United States to ensure that all terrorist cells are destroyed, whatever it takes.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Andy

I think the US should pull back to our permanent military bases as before the war on terror, immediately. The political climate is such that the POTUS will not be given his due. The country and the world owes him a debt of gratitude for his ability to execute.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

mark in arkansas

Declare the mission as accomplished, bring all troops home, close and protect our own borders, stop making war with everyone that doesn't agree with our philosophies.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

T.J. Sullivan

Allow this vague concept of a "War on Terror" to quietly fade and let the CIA, FBI and Intelligence teams do their jobs. The "War on Terror" was a campaign more for the benefit of the media and defense hawks than any identifiable effort. We can support the importance of counter-terrorism operations without the goofy marketing campaign.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Linda in Charleston, SC

Maybe we can pay a little less than 1 billion to Pakistan for their own efforts.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Mark Amorosi

I Believe we should remove the bulk of our military from Iraq and Afghanistan. The death of Bin Laden has weakened Al queda , but we should remain in the middle east.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Robert Wood

Considering that which upset bin Laden the most was the Israeli maltreatment of the Palestinians, obviously arriving at a just peace for both the Palestinians and the Israelis should be "what's next" in the "War on Terror."

Robert Wood
Markham, Ontario
Canada

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

MikeHunt

we should focus more on our economy and let some European countries handle it. u.s is not your mom Europe!

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Bill Modzelewski

Lets get down to Mexico right after we send a photograph of Bin Laden to the drug cartel bosses.

May 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Jerry Jacksonville, Fl.

Issue a statement to the countries that would send terrorist to harm the United States and explain to them that one act of terror against the United States would result in total destruction of their country that it would be one giant sand pile when we finished with them.

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

Robert Schneider

The death of Osama Bin Laden should spell the begining of the end of the United States military involvement in both Iraq and Afganastan. Our presents there is going to start to work against us if it hasen't already. The Middle East is undergoing monumental change on its own. We should get out of the way and concentrate on problems at home.

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

RickFromDetroit

Trying to stop terrorism is as effective as trying to stop the daily armed robberies we have in this Country. The crime has already been committed before you can start the investigation, arrest, court procedure, and incarceration. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

HURRICANEPAUL from Hawaii

What should come next Jack, is more of the same.

The military mission that took out bin Laden is just one of the many missions that President Bush initiated after 9/11.

No matter who is our presiden, the goal should focus on a victory for America, not any one party or person.

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

Bill

Just because the the "poster-child" for the war on terror is now gone, does not mean we should stick our heads back in the sand. This is not over, in fact, its not even close.

Remember, its "the devil you don't know" that should worry you the most!

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

Mandingo

Well now the USA has no more excuse. No Excuse to stay in Iraq, and pillage all the oil and other riches. Bring the troops home, and work on the failing economy here in the US. I am sure that they always knew where OBL were. They just waited for an accurate time to act on it. I am sure that innoncent civilians got killed in that raid, I am sure the mission was to allow no one, no one to survive or talk. No matter what lies the new media tell. Women, children, or who ever.

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

Mike, Ft. Myers FL

After you cut the head off the snake, the rest will slowly follow, Jack. It's only a matter of time before a domino effect will take hold and by the looks of what were seeing in the Middle East it will not be long before everyone that practices that backwards, misguided ideology will soon cease to exist.

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

Taylor

Jack,

I feel we should bring our troops home as stated by many others in the comments above. I also feel that America should start to focus on its ownself. We have more than enough issues and problems here that need dealt with. The horrific storms in the south and the destruction there is a example. We need to focus our attention on our home grounds and protect ourselves first.

Taylor
Toledo, OH

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

Rajat

A lot is being said about where Bin Laden was found but nothing was said about *how long* had he been there! That may indicate how "guilty" Pakistani government is. If my #1 enemy was in my "friend's" house (For US that is Pakistan), I would look into where the taxpayer dollars are going in "aid". And if those dollars are being used to protect the very people who are our enemies, I would cut that flow. The US economy can't afford to fund it's enemies!
-Rajat.
Jersey City, NJ

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

Benjamin, Gilbert, Arizona

Terrorism by its very nature is something that takes power in stagnation. If the U.S does not continue its fight against terror, it will allow the water to settle. The U.S needs the Orkin man, because whats left of these cockroaches will be both difficult to find, and to destroy. This is a victory though, and the U.S shouldn't short itself a pat on the back just because there is a risk of retaliation.

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

george fredricksburg va

This doesnt mean the end of the war on terror it just changes the focus it means the mastermind of 911 is gone.The terrorists are still there and I believe will always be there we will never be able to let our guard down again.God bless our troops god bless america.

May 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm |

gil

What's next on the war on terror? Turn your attention to the drug problems and gang wars going on in the United States. Get the terror of banks, big business, and the rich who are destroying the middle classes by taking everything they can get their hands on – mortgages, savings, educational opportunities, health care. Bin Laden started the ball rolling and the American right wing grabbed it and have been using it to destroy the American civilized way of life ever since and leave everyone they can frightened and weak.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Mark

Now we know where the "HEAD" lies. We should pull our people from Pakistan and increase our efforts there without regard for the traitors they surely are to the American cause.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Ibk

On all account,US must step up security and get more info from unnoticeble countries that might be used for terror abode....now the world know Obama is not joking..The world should be a place to live..

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Reggie Lawrence

Our next step should be the careful withdrawal from combat thwarted, being careful not to put our troops in unnecessary risk, and, at the same time, being vigilant to detect and respond appropriately to terror threats. This is precisely what President Obama plans to do.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Jerry

We continue on as we have during the past years. The only significance in the death of Osama Bin Laden was to give Americans hope in these continued battles. We now have a solid "rock" as you would call it to lay down the foundation of the battle to subdue terrorism.

We as Americans should continue to support our valued troops and show them we care about their lives. The United States also has to realize the vitality of the Navy and the role it plays in the modern world. It must not be looked on anymore as the protector of the seas, but rather "A Global Forcer For Good."

In summary,the best thing for an ordinary citizen to do is to show their support to this government and the current administration. Fly a flag outside and tell a Sailor, Marine or Solider that you care and support them.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Greg Taylor

Pull ALL aid to Islamic nations period. We are "One Nation under God." Time we stand up for Christianity and what this country was founded on.
Islam should be fore warned you are messing with a sleeping giant.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Wayne

Yesterday was a glorious day for all Americans, and those in support of democracy around the world. I personally do not think that a partial withdraw from Afghanistan is the answer. After serving in Afghanistan in 2009, the citizens of Afghanistan need American aid. Now is not the time to turn around and leave, instead lets make sure we finish the job, and do it properly. If we leave now, we will only be facing the same problems down the road that we have faced before.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Nick

We need to end ALL the wars now (including the war on drugs), get our troops out of every occupied country and start to rebuild our economy. Give peace a chance for once!

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Seth, California

Ill be honest jack having served in the military under an idea that we can solve the idea of terrorism when really it was a manhunt for bin laden..well we did our job. we have no business being thee anymore. justice has been served. yes terrorism will continue but thats the nature of the beast. there will always be someone who is willing to go to extremes to make there point or try to get what they want. but that doesn't justify us continuing this situation any further.. its time to move on. and its time to put this behind us.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Gary E Masters

We need to clean up the USA first. There are too many losers telling us what to do.

Congress voted for the war in Iraq, but when it became difficult many gave up. They will never forgive President Bush for not giving up. Same for Afghanistan. I listen to Mr. Cafferty but he has yet to show any understanding of our obligations and what it will mean if we do not live up to our promises. The obligation in Afghanistan is modest and possible. But he carps on and on about why we should give up.

My take is that those who give up on foreign obligations are also likely to give up on work in Congress and even winning elections. Losing is a habit they can not shake so quickly.

So next time, we need to really have full support of the USA so we can hold on until we win. We have to avoid those who see the only options as to quit now or to fight forever.

Winning is the best and only real option. If we can not do that, we should never start.

Anything.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Betty from Iowa

I am hoping that they not only got OBL, but documents that will shed light on their future plans of terror.
We need to go back to the Regan Admin and Ollie North. Remember he spent thousands for security of his home.
We need to inform all the dis-belivers what he had in the works.
I pray that our President and his family will stay safe now and in the future. Obama is one cool guy!
YES WE CAN!

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

SteveinFresno

We should absolutely end the occupation in Iraq right now, followed shortly by the end occupation in Afghanastan. Nothing will change because of the death of one person, but that's also the reason to leave now. We need to bolster our domestic security similiar to Isreal, unfortunately, but that's the world we live in now.
We must begin now to focus on domestic enemies – corporations that don't pay tax, wall street corruption and big oil.
Put our own people to work on infrastructure here, and eliminate or at least drastically reduce dependence on foreign oil. After all, every war except the civil war that Americans have died in has been at least partially about oil. What better way to improve our own security?

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

joe

the next step should be for our special forces to go into pakistan and take any and all of their nuclear weapons. our enemies will take these weapons and hold us hostage.
forget about pakistan as a neutral observer; they are in bed with the terrorists.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Joe Rogers

From Annapolis, MD

"Mission truly accomplished"...U.S. troops should be returned asap

to their families and loved ones. Amen

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Billy new orleans

Get the troops out and protect our own borders. We can no longer afford to police the world

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Rocky in LA

Get to the bottom of Pakistan's involvement with the harboring of Bin Laden, and deal with them accordingly. That will be extremely tricky.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Vishal

Withdraw out troops, but since the fight against Terror is not over, concentrate them where they belong > "Pakistan". How much more proof do we need, to justify action against the country that harbors terrorism and terror operatives.

Every suspect caught or killed until now was living comfortably in Pakistan or was trained in Pakistan & One doesn't need to be a GENIUS to figure it out, that it is without doubt, all with the support of Pakistan's Government , Military and ISI.

It's TIME we tackle the problem HEAD ON, rather than beating around the bush!!

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Ryan Brennan

Jack, the answer seems obvious, bring our troops home. That probably wont happen though, we've been screaming for it for years. Let's at least keep gaining intelligence about where these other mass murdering scum bags are and wipe them out. The war on terror is not over, but this could be a fatal blow for Al-qaeda if we keep going after them.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

george kendall

We need to develope a new stratage to combat the terrorists that we can afford. It is obvious to the world that we can no longer sustain a big military option running on a credit card that is maxed out

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Gabriel Croitoru

i think that the war is not over. Though it has taken a bad blow, Al Qaeda has not been defeated. We must remain in the wars to completely finish them off and only then leave. Leaving early will allow Al Qaeda to grow and plot more attacks on civilians. I think that the death of Bin Laden will shorten the wars substantially, but there are still many years until the war is completely over

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Nichole Phillips

It is obvious that the Pakistani government aided Mr. Ben Laden in his sick game of "hide and seek". That said the U.S. and the entire world has to be very careful in our next actions. Yes some troops should come back, as we expect, but it is crucial that we wait it out and keep fighting for our freedom because that is what makes us the UNITED states.

May 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm |

Jacob tennessee

We need to stay ontop of the war on Terror, Maybe send some soldiers out of Afghanastan for sure.. But We need to run our national security the same way we have since after 9/11 if not crank it up even more since it is almost certain Al Qaeda will try to avenge him. I would also like to state that i think they should release the photos to the world because it is Important for us all. If they can release 9/11 on tv, they can release the man dead on tv. Thankyou, Jacob from Tennessee

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

Jon in Kentucky

We could have ended the war on terror by strapping a nuke to bin Laden's body and shipping the dirtbag back to Al Qaeda

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

Maggie Flanagan-Wilkie

More of the same, Jack, more of the same well planned missions to catch our enemies. And less fantasy about what goes on in the real world. It does nothing but waste our time. Thumbs up with Anderson on any tape of him that comes our way.

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

Alex Landi

Jack-
What's next is more of the same. In fact, we should redouble our efforts to defeat the terrorists groups. We have no choice but to fight until the jihadist "fever" has broken. Iraq had nothing to do with bin Laden and al Qaeda and we are getting out of there anyway. The resources and personnel freed up should be used to fight and defeat the terrorists wherever they are. Americans don't quit.

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

docluvfun

Now that Bin Laden is dead we should focus on home grown terrorists, it is an issue the USA is bliking its eyes on...
we can't stop the terrorists in other countries, but we should be able to monitor the ones within us.

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

John

Jack,
I like Joe Biden's plan of action...get most of our boys back home and begin an offensive of covert activities, so covert that political correctness is of no concern and the sky's are filled with deadly drones.
Good job Obama!

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

Ray Kestenbaum

Radical Islamic terrorism will not be defeated until the evil principles that Osama bin Laden espoused are destroyed. These include Jihad,
suicide bombings to please Allah, hatred of the infidel, honor killings and beatings of women, dar al Islam and dar al Harb, which mean the conquest of land once inhabited by Moselms forever belong to Moslems. The killing of bin Laden is a giant step in the destruction of al Qaeda but far from its elimination.

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

William

Let's be clear, this war isn't over nor is peace guaranteed. Going forward, war is necessary to sustain the security of this country and the continuation of our military prowess in the world. The question now is what will the US Military strategy be toward terrorism given the success of small teams of covert operators. I would also be interested in how the incoming Defense Secretary plans to structure this and what that will mean to pending cuts in the Department of Defense.

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

Steve from Los Angeles

Jack,
The fact that contempt for the US has steadily grown in the Middle East since September 11th yet no more attacks on the US have occurred tells me one thing, our military should continue to do whatever it is they're doing. For the first time in a long time, I feel that our government is doing something right. As morbid as it may seem, I couldn't help but feel proud to be an American upon learning of Bin Laden's death. One can only hope that it gives the families of those lost on September 11th a bit of closure.

May 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm |

Bruce Deutsch

Now is the time to think large and bold. Imagine the U.S. working diplomatically with all of our Arab allies to begin to imagine - and work towards - a free, democratic Pan Arabia. Imagine how the war on terror would be transformed if all the disaffected Islamic youth suddenly found Real hope in democracy & freedom. Convince the leaders (Saudi Arabia, et al) to make the bold move towards Constitutional Monarchies.

Yes we Really can!

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Branden, Kansas City

Jack,
I feel like our presence in the middle east is more important now than it ever has been. Surely, because their leader has finally been vanquished, Al Queda will become even more volatile and even greater a threat to the American people. We should continue to be on watch and continue on the offensive as long as we have the upper hand.

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Chris B

We need to get out of Afghanistan and Iraq and stop our aid to them as well as Pakistan. You do not see the Chinese or Russians coming to anyone's aid? We need to start taking care of our own people, our own soldiers and mending our own economy.

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Scott Stodden

Well I For One Feel So Much More Safer Now Knowing That Osama Bin Laden Is Dead-President Obama Just Won His Re-Election Bid And The Election Isn't Even Here Yet! Next We Should Focus On Bringing Down Moammar Ghadafi And Killing Him If Neccessary, Bringing Down Syria's Leader And Killing Him If Necessary, And Killing Iranian Leader Achmadinjad Then Our World Will Be So Much Better And Safer!

Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Eric

This is a big win for the United States and the Bush and Obama administrations. Next, the U.S. has to continue the work it has already started. It has built a system of democracy and a government that reflects our system. Troops must remain until those systems are secured in place and a peaceful state is achieved.

Eric
Fairfield, CT

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Mathew McGrath

I'm learning about terrorism at my high school in history class. I have come to the conclusion that the "war" on terror is really a war to gain the support of those who are undecided. We have killed the poster child of terrorism. Now we need to end this war and try to move in a more peaceful direction to show the world we are better then these terrorists.

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Sarah

To leave the middle east all together at this moment would be to make ourselves sitting ducks. Al Qaeda served when they attacked our trade centers and our people, and we returned with taking out their leader. It would be foolish to think that in this seemingly ping-pong like war is over now. We need to focus majority of our efforts on our national security now, but we cannot stop our efforts on the war on terror. We need to be progressive more so than ever. Sitting back will only give them time to continue to recruit and plan. These terrorists are precise and would wait until the moment came, much like we did, for as many years as it would take. We can't afford that. We need to be proactive and continue to go after and fight terror. But, we also need to focus on our country here. We have a lot to work on here in America and a lot of security is needed now. Really, both sides need to be taken into account and become issues we really pay attention to and take action on now.

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Scott, Malone, NY

I think now is the time to get out of Afghanistan and Iraq. We've already shown our resolve to stay the course and accomplish our goals. We have a huge deficit that needs attention and by leaving Afghanistan and Iraq completely, we can use that "peace dividend" to shore up our own house. Terrorism has been around long before Bin Laden so thinking we can rid the world of terrorists once and for all is foolish and wasteful. We have infrastructure and other problems at home and sorely need that money to prevent our own country from crumbling while we build up other nations. Charity begins at home!

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Gabriel

i think that the war is not over. Though it has taken a bad blow, Al Qaeda has not been defeated. We must remain in the wars to completely finish them off and only then leave. Leaving early will allow Al Qaeda to grow and plot more attacks on civilians. I think that the death of Bin Laden will shorten the wars substantially, but there are still many years until the war is completely over

Gabriel: Weston, Florida

May 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm |

Nick Smith

Nuke Saudi Arabia. We have oil rigs that can drill through that green glass just fine.

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

James Edmiston, Maj, Ret

Jack, In answer to your question "Are we better off today than yesterday?" and "are we safer"? The answer is no, however, the United States has scored a huge psychological victory over al Qaeda. Terrorists throughout the world now have to start looking over their shoulders, as they now know the the US will track them down wherever they are. Someone else will step into Osama's shoes and carry on and we will then target them, but the fact that the US tracked down Osama using integrated intelligence disciplines and operations, shows that there is nowhere to hide in the world- given time the US will find them.

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

Kenyon Price

As an American, New Yorkers and a family man I am relieved on this day of no more Bin Laden. But as someone who has traveled a lot and worked extensively in the Middle East, I see a different path. At some point in time we must engage even those we do not agree with or for sure this war on terror will never end. Part of the problem is that "we" Americans do not fully understand Isalam and the teachings of Mohammad. We must begin a proper dialogue with even the bad guys with the goal for certain to work together and stop the fighting and the fighting due to ignorance on both sides. And we must begin sooner than later. I was working for a major hotel company and as I was working in Saudi Arabia, I personally read the Quaran to help me adjust to life in the Middle East. We must try and we must engage as to think killing all the bad guys, it will never work!

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

Gary Fonrose

United States has to keep fighting terrorism but with less troops. Bring most of them back home and continue the operation for the rest of Al Qaeda.

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

Deb

What comes next? If up to the "Tea Party" we will need not only photographs, certified long copies of the death certificate and video statements from each Navy Seal member of what exactly happened. Then we need to bring our brave men and women home from both countries, stop all money to Pakistan and if the terrorists raise their ugly little heads, drop a bomb on that particular country and when the dust settles send "the Donald" in to collect the oil!

Deb
Lexington Park, MD

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

Thomas K. Cole

The world of war has changed. We need to fight these wars covertly. Both our troops and money need a break. Our war technology still far exceeds the rest of the world. Winning is going to be gradual and over the long haul.

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

sal (Germantown)

Since the wicked warlock of the Middle East is dead, so should the "so-called" war on terror. We avenged 9-11. What more do we want or need to do? The last thing the U.S. needs, or can afford, is another Bush -type, open-ended war against fictitious enemies. Had we focused our attention and resources on Bin Laden long ago, we might have apprehended him sooner.

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

Danny, Long Island NY

Jack, his death has helped wake up the American people to the fact that we don't need to be in Afghanistan in such great numbers. I'm not saying this means we can just pull everyone out, but we need to begin slowly pulling out and focus on simply a training role. Rather than the current scheduled date of 2014, I'd like to see us out of there by the end of 2012 (if the world didn't end by then, if that happens, then there's nothing to worry about)

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

Earnie Everidge

Angola Indiana, We should try to move towards more diplomatic answers when it comes to the middle east that's for sure. Keep developing strategic capabilities like the Seals and other less intrusive covert operations like those used in Bin Laden's capture." We need robots to do do the boot-work" And definitely get the heck out of Afghanistan and Iraq as soon as possible!

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

Flyingwolf, Manchester NH

Ding, dong–the monster's dead–
Navy Seals shot him in the head–
Will more terrorists show up instead?
I think our soldiers should have a Va Cay
While we fix the problems in the USA
But keep watch to see who comes out to play.

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

Ken

Hi Jack, I don't see why we should stop with bin Laden. We're on a roll. Let's keep it going and start the hunt for the # 2 man. Al- Zawahiri. We canonly hope that the death of bin Laden has all of his "hench-men" shaking in there boots.

May 2, 2011 at 5:32 pm |

F. Weedot

You see Jack, nothing last forever in this world, war on terror is now gaining momentum with the death of Ben Laden, the Obama administration has cut the head of the snake. let us search for the others key members.

May 2, 2011 at 5:33 pm |

Djeilan

Let's continue to disassemble the war machine and seriously turn our attention to healing our economy by focusing on green, sustainable energy production. Killing bin Laden is the first and second-biggest step we can take toward reducing military spending; killing our dependence on foreign oil will aalmost certainly take the fatal bite out of the crime (let's call it embezzlement) being committed in Washington against We The People by the rich.

May 2, 2011 at 5:33 pm |

Dannie

Jack,
It is not often that I find myself in agreement with the Muslim Brotherhood but in this case I believe that ending our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan to be the best course of action for the United States and our Military. Ending all aid to Pakistan should certainly be under consideration as well.

Pine Mountain Georgia.

May 2, 2011 at 5:33 pm |

Pradeep Reddy

Finding Osama Bin laden comfortably living in a huge compound for years is proof that Pakistan has been the safe haven for most of the Muslim terrorists. All along ex-President Musharaff was playing a double game with US He should be held accountable for letting terrorist use Pakistan to conduct terrorist operations in USA, India and elsewhere in the world. The present Government in Pakistan is ineffective, corrupt and powerless. It's time USA conducts more operations like this unilaterally not worrying about notifying the Pakistan Government.

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

Wes Illinois

We need to get out! Bin Laden is dead, and there hasn't been a terrorist attack in the US since 9/11. Justice has been served, and I think we can all get some closure and move on now. It took us over 10 years to find one man! We will spend a century finding and killing every terrorist out there. Let's stop while we are ahead, and bring our soldiers home. Bin Laden is dead. Mission Accomplished!

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

ScottieO

Jack..what should happen next is simply some poor..hungry..fisherman should catch a very large fish, which has just been served a free lunch courtesy of our US troops, take it home and feed his family. As far as I'm concerned, thats the only good thing Osama Bin Laden has done in his entire life.

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

Carl Murano

UBL's death means nothing to the war with Islamic radicals. we need to increase our intel capablities and covert ablities and kill them where ever they are. If they are in a country unable or unwilling to take care of it then we go in . If the country that they are in doesn't OK it they are are allies of our enemies and we don't need their permission

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

Ray Florida

It's time to isolate and put sanctions on Pakistan. It is obvious to all but a fool that this corrupt regime knew and withheld information of BinLadin's whereabouts.We need to cut off the head of the snake, remove the troops, cut off all aid and use drones to exterminate those that would do harm.

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

Pamela

Bring our troops home from all these areas, particularly Afghanistan. Let them protect us within our borders, where we really need it. It would improve our "homeland security," as well as cutting defense spending dramatically. The intelligence community, more than boots-on-the-ground, did their job on this one. Let them move on to #2.

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

Brian Hume

If the American Intelligence community knew he might be there for 7 months, I think they have a very good idea what their next steps should be. Imagine having all their attention focused on 1 house for that period of time.

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

Jeremy D from Michigan

Osama Bin Laden is just a symbol. His death only represents a chapter closed in the free world's battle against Muslim extremism. Just because he is dead, doesn't mean that there won't be extremists anymore. It just hurts their moral. We need to learn from our mistakes before and after 9/11 and try to not repeat them. I hope that at some point in the future, we can get on airplanes, visit famous places, and live our lives – without worrying about getting killed by some mentally confused idiot extremist, and hopefully we can do so without having our civil liberties trampled on. Is it asking too much Jack?

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

Ed Fierro - San Angelo, Tx.

Keep the momentum,make a clean sweep of al qeada and its allies,don't give them time to regroup,we have the finest military in the world and should use it,today is a great day to be an American ...God Bless The USA!

May 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

jørn

That Osama bin Laden have been killed will not change anything about terrorismen in feature from AL Quaida or other terroristorganisation, i think. USA and the other free world will be threatent like before, and AL Qaida is now very busy too show that they still are up and can make terror. Soo USA and Europe, also Pakistan, have too prepair for attack i am afraid. Bin- Laden was big leader for AL- Qaida, but the organisation still work, and have already a new leader after his dead.

May 2, 2011 at 5:35 pm |

Katherine Morales

As a high school junior now, I remember the day of 9/11 clearly.
Growing up with the government that projects Osama bin Laden as the face of global terror, of course I am overjoyed, relieved, and have some confidence restored in this administration after hearing about his assassination.
However, the calls for us to end the war and withdraw from the middle east must stop.

We must not withdraw.
If we withdraw, we project the image that our number 1 goal and reason to enter Iraq and Afghanistan was to kill Osama. Yes, it is a key piece to dismantling the Al Qaeda regime, but it will seem as if we went to the Middle East for pure revenge and to kill the mastermind of 9/11, and most likely will cause more backlash. To project such a selfish "git-er-done" image is Un-American.
We must continue our gradual withdraw from the Middle East, but also keep in mind the probable threats that will come out of this historic action.

May 2, 2011 at 5:35 pm |

Bill Sarris

America did not have this opportunity in the Vietnam War. We can exit Iraq and Afghanistan with honor and victory. We found and eliminated the enemy. Now, let's leave.

May 2, 2011 at 5:36 pm |

Michael

Well Jack, how bout we now concentrate on that little border by Mexico, Just an idea.

Michael, Massachusetts

May 2, 2011 at 5:37 pm |

Connor Langer

Hi Jack,

If you ask me, the United States needs to get out of Afghanistan and all other Middle Eastern countries we have presence it. The Afghan war is costing 120 billion dollars each year. Our presence in there is needlessly adding to our national debt. It seems absolutely ridiculous that
after 400,000,000,000 dollars spent on the Afghan war, 787,000,000,000 dollars spent on the Iraq war, and 105,000 dead Iraqi civilians, we are still feeling the need to have a presence in the Middle East. We cannot let ourselves continue to be governed by the fear of terrorism-like we have been for the past 10 years now.

May 2, 2011 at 5:37 pm |

scott

Accelerate a drawdown or withdraw of Troops. Our Troops are tired of multiple tours. We can't let our guard down just yet. Its a game of chess. Now what?

Erie,Pa

May 2, 2011 at 5:37 pm |

andrew in nc

Most wars that we have fought in have been wars against terrorists. Hitler was a terrorist. North Korea has sponsored terrorism. Central American "Little Hitlers" have sponsored terrorism against their own citizens and have provided drugs to the US and others. Hussan was a terrorist, as was bin Laden. There is no shortage of terrorists and there will always be another "headliner". We will have to be more prepared than ever. Specialized forces will continue to be required.

May 2, 2011 at 5:38 pm |

Hari Boston MA

Reconciliation with the muslim world, pull out of Afghanistan and Iraq.
The US has its revenge for 9/11.
It's time to get out of the muslim world before we step on more future Bin Laden's toes. The billions of dollars spend hunting them down are better used decreasing the trillions of dollars in US debt.

May 2, 2011 at 5:38 pm |

Jesse

Now that Bin Laden is dead, we must finally get out of Afghanistan. It seems clearer than ever that the vast majority of these Al Qaeda terrorists and their affiliates are in Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen, not Afghanistan or Iraq. The intelligence community seems perfectly capable of hunting these guys down without invading foreign countries. The military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan is a waste of money, time, and lives. I say pull all military personnel out of those countries and then calculate how much money is saved. Then take half that amount and give the intelligence community a raise and a bigger budget. 21st century terrorism cannot be defeated with large-scale military interventions, but rather by organizations like the CIA and FBI or MI6 and Mossad. Bin Laden's death has proven that the CIA has finally gotten their act together, and we should use this opportunity to realize that good intelligence and small, well-trained special forces units are the best method of combating terrorism.

Jesse
Montreal, Canada

May 2, 2011 at 5:38 pm |

The R.T.D

It's a two way street Jack. We want the oil, they(Terrorist) want to blame everything on the "Zionist". The first thing is to shore up relations with Palestine and Isreal. #2, mointor and check Syria, Iran, Libya and Egypt–and of course Africa. The politicans here from this day forward should not make deals with these organizations for their own poliltical gain. Washington is a "Cest Pool" of the Lex Luther types ( Supermans Arch Rivial) and businessmen like the Donald Trumps of the world. We must stop becoming dependent on foreign oil and make that form of energy obsolete. Once we do that, let them squabble over their natural resource.Lets us plan for the future like improving our economy,securing our boarders intelligently, and advance our goals by saving this planet of ourselves through space exploration.

May 2, 2011 at 5:38 pm |

adam

we have to fight alqeda to the end until all the terrorist group defeat
osama was just one cowerd man was hiding behind woman in a mansion
that show how brave the alqeda i want to congraulate president obama about this operation .

May 2, 2011 at 5:39 pm |

Donald J. Glidden Jr.

What should come next for the U.S. in the war on terror ? NEXT IS RIGHT !
As the diplomats of major terrorist cities, in the merry "o" land of Pakistan, tell our allies in Afghanistan to find another Allie other the U.S. (or us), the coroner has vouched for her (the U.S.) that he is not only really dead, he's really very truly dead (done in the Islamic terrorist tradition)! As for the Pakistani intelligence (the lollipop kids) ding dong the major s.o.b. is dead (only because we finally began to accept the truth that if we had told you what we were planning to do he would have gotten away)! So if their are any high ranking Pakistani officials looking to appease, a little word of advice, choke on it!
"Most Sincerely"(LOVE-n-STUFF)
DONNIE Salem Mass. EST. 1626

May 2, 2011 at 5:39 pm |

Carissa V

The world has changed and terrorism is a permanent fixture, unfortunately. Our job now is to keep the damage and death caused by it to a minimum. We need less "boots on the ground" and more intelligence used the way it was used yesterday.

May 2, 2011 at 5:39 pm |

Eric

The United States should take a diplomatic and non-militaristic approach to the War on Terror by weaning itself off of oil and investing in cleaner energy. The terrorists and the governments that support them (some of those are currently our friends) rely on revenue at the pump. If we stopped consuming oil, I daresay that they would barely be able to afford food, much less weapons and plane tickets. It would also push their governments to address real problems, or incite more revolutions such as those in Egypt or Tunisia. Getting off oil is absolutely the best way to wage a War on Terror without even firing a shot.

May 2, 2011 at 5:39 pm |

DENT, JEFFREY W.

Jack the answer to your question is this( Yes we are safer), and could you please tell Wolf this for me, Yes Pakistan did know Osama was there and we did too. Have you ever heard of the old saying " Give him enough rope and he will hang himself" So in other wordsPakistan and the U.S. let him got settled, relaxed and comfortable and then they sent in my Brothers in Arms THE SEALS to strike the head of that snake( OSAMA) and when they strike they cut the head off and soon the tail ( AQI )will eventuallydie.

SSG DENT, JEFFREY W.
101ST ABN DIV
Fort Campbell, KY

May 2, 2011 at 5:39 pm |

Preston, Fort Worth, TX

It should be clear that the U.S. approach of occupation of Middle Eastern countries has not been a harbinger of peace and stability to that region or here at home. The resources used to conduct military operations abroad should be significantly downsized within the coming months. There is no changing the fact that if we keep troops in the Middle East, we will always be viewed by the people who live there as the outsiders, as the aggressors. Ultimately, nobody wins this fight.

May 2, 2011 at 5:40 pm |

maria

U.S.A. must finish double standards, AND FINISH THE PALESTINIAN -ISRAEL CONFLICT. It will be more easy if USA become impartial

May 2, 2011 at 5:40 pm |

Paul Kraynak, Jr

Set up three more operations to get rid of President Pervez Musharraf, Hamid Karzai and Benjamin Netanyahu and the world will be happy and safe!!

May 2, 2011 at 5:40 pm |

Ron S.

First of all God Bless America and Her Troops. God call on letting our troops do the job. But let us beware the War is not over and we should not let our guard down. Anyone who knows a little world history should no this. I hope we stay on the offensive, for there are many more threats to be delt with. and above all to find a way were all of us no matter what faith,creed,nationality or religion can co-exist and live in peace. Can't be that hard. P.S. WHOO!YAAH!

May 2, 2011 at 5:41 pm |

mycroft austin tx

What should come next is the indictments for Bush ,Cheney and Rove for War Crimes. Over a million innocent Iraqis (that hat had nothing whatsoever to do with 9/11), murdered ,maimed and tortured.

May 2, 2011 at 5:41 pm |

Ralph Spyer

WE WON , bring our boys home from Afghanistan now. Mission Accomplish. Why are we still in IRAQ ? NO one from Afghanistan had anything to do with 9/11 in fact we pay them to kill Russians we trained them well.

May 2, 2011 at 5:41 pm |

B Prosser

Bring the troops home to sort out the drug war on our border with Mexico.

May 2, 2011 at 5:41 pm |

tonyginn123@gmail.com

Jack,

This is the death of an ideology that was created by a Prince of Saudi Royalty (OBL) who railed against regimes,dictator's backed by the US and other allie's. Now that the Arab Spring is taking place, we can see that we are finally on the right side of history supporting Muslim people's that want freedom similar to our democracy. Taking out Bin Laden is Obama's victory and a victory for the entire Middle East, except Iran.

Tony
Tacoma, WA

May 2, 2011 at 5:42 pm |

desh

Jack, we need to move our troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan and infiltrate more intelligence on the ground in the hot spots. We need to form more teams just like this Navy Seal team to be able to make surgical strikes when actionable intelligence arrives. I am so proud of President Obama, the Navy Seals, all our Armed Services, the intelligence agencies, and anyone else that were participants on any level of this mission. No doubt there will be retaliation for Bin Laden and new recruits for terror, but they now know the American government will not lose its resolve to fight terror.

May 2, 2011 at 5:42 pm |

gabriel

but at what cost ? we might have spend millions or billions of dollars just to track one man. instead of using that money to create jobs or even lowering the u.s. debt . but i guess that is politics at doing a great job (spending money).

May 2, 2011 at 5:42 pm |

Richard Hardman

Every once in a while, there's a moment in history where action will decide the future for decades. Obama is at such a point. Either we get out of these "wars" right now and put the military industry complex on a hold...or we continue fighting wars, growing the war machine, until we are totally broke and we have riots in the streets. We are not that far away from that situation. Have you gone grocery shopping lately? Let's get back to building America and let the Arab fight amongst themselves.

May 2, 2011 at 5:43 pm |

Lou Champy

Withdraw as per plans in place. Have our State Department tell the countries that may want to support or give protection to our enemies planing "DEATH TO AMERICA", in no uncertain terms, that THEY TO WILL BE OUR ENEMIES.
Make it clear any action traced back to them against us or our interest will be deemed an act of WAR against the U.S.A. forcing a swift and forceful response.

May 2, 2011 at 5:43 pm |

Dave

As a retired INT person ,and without risking pension loss, and breach of disclosure issues, I can tell you the media is really not doing the due diligence, and old fashioned t-crossing and i dotting. Not so much with the actual death, but the historical data leading up to his demise. For mainstream media to appear to be gob-smacked that he was hiding in Pakistan is laughable. One would have to be on another planet to not know, for sure, that Bin Laden was physically in Pakistan from day one. It was common knowledge. Pakistan is a Muslim country..and none too moderate..it made sense to Bin Laden. The bottom line was America was not keen on kicking a not-too-stable nuclear, Muslim country. And BTW, Afghanistan was never under any threat from Bin Laden or Al Qaeda..the Taliban were, and continue to be the threat...of course, most do not know the difference...and there is a HUGE difference...do your homework people.

May 2, 2011 at 5:43 pm |

Roger

Education of groups, individuals, communities, that killing innocent and unarmed citizens will not get their aims met. Make sure countries like Pakistan, Yemen, Afganisthan can not support terrorism. Like George Bush said you support and harbor terrorists you are a terrorist.

Strengthen the resolve and cooperation with all peace loving and civilized countries.

Increase the terror fighting cooperation across with proper channels established including flow of troops, ammunition and intelligence across borders to address terror issues. It should not be only when it is strategic to USA. Any terror organization that operates should be enemy of civilized world.

Be able to starve terror groups through economic, diplomatic, miltary and lack of support base.

Thanks
Roger

May 2, 2011 at 5:44 pm |

Matt in phoenix

I think it's great that we've finally killed Bin Laden, but a reality check is needed if people think this is over. I find it scary that he was in the midlle of a highly populated city which i think reflects how many followers he really has. Either that or Pakistan's government has lots of explaining to do because only they could have kept it a secret in a city like that. As far as our troops are concerned i think we need to either bring them all home and REALLY secure our borders or send more troops there to really defeat the Al Queda because right now we're sitting in between which doesn't do anything for us.

We need to pull the troops out immediately, not because of the death of bin Laden, but because it is morally the right thing to do. Being at war with a terrorist group won't do any good, since they want to be martyrs. We are simply fighting a group that wants to fight and that wants to die for the cause they are fighting for. If we continue to fight thousands upon thousands of people will die and that is immoral. Our #1 mission in the Middle East shouldn't be to take out every terrorist; it should be to become allies for peace with every Arab country and that can only be achieved by the US withdrawing all the troops.

May 2, 2011 at 5:46 pm |

Ray

It is an excellent exit point from the war on terror for America. Too many lives and too much money was spent after this idiot and now he finally met the end he deserved.
We found a nice closer in Iraq, we should completely withdraw.
We need to find a quick closer in Afghanistan as well and bring the boys home.
As for Al-Zawahri and the remaining of the Al Qaeda, the CIA needs to keep pressuring them behind the scenes.
The problem with Islamic terrorism is an ideological one. More violence hurts more than helps, as it provides them with new recruits.
-Ray from Boston, MA

May 2, 2011 at 5:47 pm |

Christopher Smith

In my opinion we should do what should have done after 9/11. We should fight the war on terror with unconventional methods rather than using conventional warfare. I say we fight them with our intelligence agencies and special forces. Just like we did in killing Bin Laden.

Chris

Reno, NV

May 2, 2011 at 5:47 pm |

David P Vernon

Tucson, AZ – Bin Laden is dead. Hurray! But, The renegade American Awlaki is at large in Yemen and Ayman Al Zawahiri is still at large too, still "wanted, dead or alive", for his role in the 9/11 attacks. Many things have changed to the disadvantage of Al Qaeda – the "Arab Spring" along the Mahgreb, the nearing of compromise between the local warring factions in Afghanistan, the expiration of American license in Iraq and the chance of local democratic stability developing there, the numbers of self-described Al Qaeda killed since 2008, etc. The death of Bin Laden is a victory. The conflict remains. The front lines today between progressive and fundamentalist Islam are in Pakistan and Yemen. The death of Bin Laden will require and permit a reduction of US force in Pashtun country, Afghanistan and Pakistan, leaving us having to play a more subtle diplomatic game there, but who and how the credit and blame goes in Pakistan will determine what happens next. Our enemy is not yet defeated.

May 2, 2011 at 5:49 pm |

Randy

Time will tell. A lot of it has to do with our Foreign Policy. By the way, there were more mention of President Bush, who failed to get Bin Laden, on Fox News, than President Obama. What a surprise..

May 2, 2011 at 5:49 pm |

Allison from Vancouver

Firstly; the word is "terrorism" not" terror".
Secondly, no, the US is not safer from terrorism now. Bin Laden will be seen by some extremists as a martyr and his death will need to be avenged. I think you can expect more attacks in your country now.

May 2, 2011 at 5:49 pm |

hajmaja alkamara

let all soldiers come home and go on leave at mexican beaches, drinking margarita.

May 2, 2011 at 5:52 pm |

tim

Stop payments for Pakistan which support terrorists groups and encourage terrorism as national policy

May 2, 2011 at 5:52 pm |

cforbess

We should get out of the middle east and spend our money and time on the problems in our county–the terrorists on our border with Mexico and the scourge of methamphetamine that is wreaking havoc in our towns across the country.

May 2, 2011 at 5:52 pm |

Brittany Lyman

I think it is a big step in the war on terror, but it definitely isn't over yet. We need to realize there are people behind Osama that can take his place. We have to keep fighting and protecting our country from terroristic act, especially since this will have enraged those in al Qaida. I keep hearing that Osama's death means terrorism is dead, as much as I would like that to be true, it is far from reality. God bless our men and women in the U.S. Military, they are doing an awesome job!

May 2, 2011 at 5:52 pm |

Jesusdude from D.C.

Murder the Al-Qaeda=world peace

May 2, 2011 at 5:53 pm |

Gregory Hodges

Jack; my family are friends with a mother of a Canadian soldier killed in the war on terror in Afghanistan (one of over 150); and we are both relieved and happy that the monster Bin Laden is finally dead. To both President Obama and the brave warriors who brought justice to all his victims families; I salute you! However the battle goes on. His #2 henchman is still alive; and all efforts must be made to have that sad pathetic individual suffer the same fate as his buddy. Do not stand down yet America; until this nest of vipers is wiped completely from the face of the earth.

May 2, 2011 at 5:53 pm |

Bayano

WORLD GAME:

Egypt level 1 (Husni)
Sarkozy level 2 (Gbagbo)
Obama level 3 (Osama)

ALL LEVELS COMPLETED

OBAMA, Gaddafi is your FREE bonus level: 10000 points

May 2, 2011 at 5:53 pm |

Remo, from beautiful downtown Pflugerville Texas

Quid Pro Quo! We now have to wait for the next round, because there will be another round. Again we will be one step behind as we have no idea what is or will be in the works to have an eye for an eye. Even if they do nothing we will spend endless dollars (that we don't have) trying to prepare. Someone fresh will fill in for Osama with potentially fresher more violent ideas. So now we have a "Osama/Obama" paradox of ever increasing violence with innocent people getting killed over some mindless belief, religion, blood fued, that has been in place longer than time.

May 2, 2011 at 5:53 pm |

tonya

I would love for this war to be over.There is no way we can bring home our troops till we are sure the won't be another crazy man to take Bil Ladens place.There is no way Al Queida is going to let this just go.They will retaleate.

May 2, 2011 at 5:54 pm |

Navid Islam

Jack-
Many will urge to bring the troops from Afghanistan, but the war against terror is far from over. Now many radical groups might try to use the news from Yesterday and use it to recruit more members to their groups.Lot of conspiracy theories have already started around the world regarding the body of Bin Laden. so we should remain cautious and USA military should continue their fight on terror oversees cause that will make us feel safe over in the US.
I am really happy by the President Obama gave us Yesterday.
May Allah bless those who died on 9/11.

Navid
from NYC

May 2, 2011 at 5:55 pm |

Steph

I don't think any of us really know what we should do next. I think I am going to pray for good things, and hope nothing like 9/11 ever happens again. I am proud that justice has finally been served for all of those who lost their lives secondary to the acts of Bin Laden and his followers, including all of the US troops who have died fighting for our freedom, and all the innocent people who died on 9/11.

I just hope we do the right thing next. Whatever that may be.

May 2, 2011 at 5:55 pm |

DONNA TAYLOR

Bring home Our Troops!! Rationale:
1. The very face of terrorism is now dead and out of the picture. Obama is the hero.
2. Now that Bin Laden is gone, there is a sense of "closure" with many Americans, thus giving. Obama a reason to begin bringing the troops home – a yet-to-be fulfilled campaign promise. Again, Obama is the hero.
3. The July 2011 troop withdrawal deadline is met, three months early, and again Obama is a hero!

May 2, 2011 at 5:56 pm |

two my mind

Whats next, stop terrorizing, that's what got us into this mess in the first place. Let the people of other countries handle their own affairs. If they need help then let it be a joint effort with the rest of the world, not just the US. Who gave the us the right to police the world?

May 2, 2011 at 5:57 pm |

Angry AmericaN

Let it be known to our own politicians, our own Government Stooges. Our Mission in the mid east is complete Osama is dead, Sadaam is dead, just kill Gadaffi and it will be over. Bring all of our troops home now!! Post them along our Southern Border with shoot ti kill orders. That would place them in an environment that they are used to and then they will really be protecting Americans of the onslaught of invading illegals.

May 2, 2011 at 5:57 pm |

Paul Kraynak, Jr in PA

This operation should be a warning to other major terrorist supporters such as President Pervez Musharraf, Hamid Karzai and Benjamin Netanyahu. The world would be a much safer and happier place without them in power.

May 2, 2011 at 5:58 pm |

ranger45

The only way al Qaeda will fall is to takedown all of their leaders and their followers will be disorted and will scatter without their leaders

May 2, 2011 at 5:58 pm |

Jim

The next step should be to erase his name from all news and the White House should issue a statement that they will no longer mention bin laden or take questions about him, and in that statement say "the rest of the al-qida and taliban operatives should watch their backs." There also should be no news on any statement issued by al-qida or the taliban. Continuing to talk about bin laden only sesationlizes him. Again his name should now be buried and we need to get after and do in the rest of the terriosts.

May 2, 2011 at 5:59 pm |

Adnan From Connecticut

Nothing!
Bring our fellow young Americans back!! Its been 10 years now and we can't afford to stay their any longer, let the Afghanistan army take over and let them finish the job.

About this Blog:

Jack Cafferty sounds off hourly on the Situation Room on the stories crossing his radar. Now, you can check in with Jack online to see what he's thinking and weigh in with your own comments online and on TV.